The Organized Student – Kids, Backpacks and Papers, Oh My!

I’m a busy mom with school-aged kids, so it goes without saying that we experience hectic school day mornings. If your mornings are chaotic like ours, follow these get-organized tips to ensure a smooth to and from school routine.

• Make mornings flow smoothly by getting everything ready the night before.
• Have school bags packed and placed by the door and tomorrow’s outfits laid out.
• Organize your kid’s departure and arrival spot (I call this the launching and landing pad). Declare a home for backpacks close to the door they leave and arrive. Install hooks at a kid-friendly height. My kids have a square wicker basket close to the door that they enter and leave for school where their backpacks go and other school related items. We place everything that needs to go to school in that basket. When they get home, everything, including shoes get placed there so they don’t get strewn all over the house.
• Keep school shoes by the door to eliminate the mad morning rush to find two matching shoes (this also cuts down on cleaning since kids leave dirty shoes at the door when they come in)
• Pre-pack the non-perishable parts of school lunches, so you can simply pop in a sandwich in the morning. Prepare for breakfast the night before by getting out cereal bowls and cups.
• Create a Kids’ Morning Routine checklist so no essential task gets overlooked, like forgetting to brush teeth or comb hair, and post it on the fridge and/or bathroom mirror.
• Likewise, create an “Out the Door” list of items they need to take to school, and post it on or near the exit door. Include items like homework, lunch, library books, gym shoes, instruments.  Include the time they need to be downstairs for breakfast and when they need to exit the house to meet the bus. This builds their time management skills rather than just waiting for your yelling “the bus is coming” to prompt them. I’ve included a  sample checklist that I created for my oldest daughter when she entered first grade. This made a huge improvement in her ability to stay focused and on task in the morning.

Place a clock in strategic locations in your children’s morning routine , like the bathroom, kitchen and their bedroom. Both my daughters have missed the bus at least once through the year by losing track of time while primping in the bathroom when there was no clock in sight.

 

After we adopted these strategies in our home, our mornings were much less chaotic. And my kids haven’t missed the bus since and gone are the days of mid-morning phone calls from a frantic child begging me to bring their homework or packed lunch they left at home.

To learn more family management strategies like this, my Home Organization Secrets for Busy Moms ebook is now on sale for $9.99 and can be immediately downloaded.

My Daughter’s Morning Schedule (in 1st grade)

Upstairs: Wake up at 7:00am

        Get dressed …

• Put on clean underpants
• Shirt & pants
• Socks – to match outfit
• Shoes – to match outfit
• Brush teeth & tongue
• Comb hair

** 30-45 minutes to get dressed – be ready to come downstairs by 7:45am **

Downstairs: be downstairs by 7:45am

• Come downstairs to kitchen to eat breakfast
• Check backpack to be sure everything has been put in
• Put on coat, gloves, hat
• Walk out door for bus at 8:05am

Originally posted 2009-10-26 22:05:38. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Organize Your Children for Current and Future Success

As a parent, teaching children the skill of organization is not just one less cleaning job on the household chore checklist. Some experts consider teaching children organizational skills as fundamental as instructing them about morals, values and other personal signposts. In fact, organization skills taught during childhood are likely to follow the child through adolescence and into adulthood. And when children reach adult age, these essential skills can translate into real-world talents and successes.

So is it possible for parents to teach children to become organized? Take it from a Professional Organizer – most definitely! I regularly experience the benefits of teaching my children organizational skills – my nine-year-old now asks to put away and organize our family’s groceries by herself, and she does a great job doing so.

While many children will not initially find the activity of organizing their personal items desirable, they will welcome the consistent routine that organizing offers. Because children generally respond well to consistency and structure, and parents love an organized home, the arrangement would seem like a no-brainer – teach your children organizational skills and parents enjoy a less-cluttered household in the process.

However, many parents make the mistake of simply saying “clean your room” which essentially leaves organizational methods up to their children and allows them the opportunity to make creative organizational choices. Without the necessary instruction, a child can just throw their toys anywhere they please as long as the clutter is out of sight. Creativity is fine, but what will happen when the child arrives in the real world as an adult? Will his kooky childhood methods serve him well amongst his peers?

As a child’s first teacher and the guardian of their future, it is up to the parent to take every opportunity to prepare their children for their adult lives. It is well worth the effort for parents to communicate basic rules of organization that will build a child’s skills. Rules provide structure in children’s lives and structure lays the foundation for the types of people children will grow up to be.

So why waste an opportunity to guide the development of your child? In essence, if you teach a child how to be well-organized, he will grow to be a well-organized adult. To aid you in your efforts, I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you about the family chore system and household organizer – Mom, Can I Help Around the House?, that I designed for my own family. Then two years ago I began sharing it with friends and organizing clients. It transformed our family and taught my children critical organizing skills, that they continue to build on each day.

Consider using the household chores and organizing routine as a means to teach your children how to become capable adults. They likely will not recognize the investment now, but as an adult they will witness others their own age have trouble with tasks they mastered while children, and will no doubt be grateful for the skills they seemed to effortlessly learn while in your care.

Originally posted 2008-08-23 06:38:28. Republished by Old Post Promoter

The Organized Student – maintain an organized desk and locker

Although kids may appear organized at home, a peek into their desks or lockers may surprise you! Even an organized kid can create chaos in those small, often neglected spaces.

Elementary Age

If you’re concerned about the state of your child’s desk, contact the teacher. Perhaps she could hold an “organize your desk” time once a week or month that would benefit all of her students. If your child needs extra attention, ask the teacher if you could stop by before or after school some day for a brief desk tidy-up. Teach your child to take home food containers daily, toss garbage, purge papers that are no longer needed, and keep important take-home papers in a designated folder. See what type of order makes sense for your child. Perhaps she associates colors with certain subjects, so notebooks and folders could correspond to those. Maybe she likes all the notebooks on one side of the desk and folders on the other. Or perhaps she prefers the items she uses in the morning on one side and afternoon items on the other. Whatever makes sense for her is okay, as long as she understands and maintains the system.

Middle and High School Age

This age can be more challenging for parents to help, because you’ll likely not be invited into the school by your student. But you can assist by providing helpful accessories like an extra shelf and a magnetic pencil cup and a memo board to make staying organized as easy as possible. Discuss ways to organize your student’s things (see prior paragraph) in a logical order. Encourage frequent clean-outs.  If it really gets out of control, give her a large garbage bag and have her bring everything home over the weekend. Spend time helping her sort, purge, and rearrange. She can return the organized items in her locker on Monday.

All ages

Inventory students’ school supplies at least twice a year and restock anything broken or used up. Check in frequently to see if their desks or lockers need tune-ups and help as necessary.

Originally posted 2009-09-13 13:06:52. Republished by Old Post Promoter

The Organized Student – create a designated study space for school success

After you’ve considered and established your student’s daily routine, it’s time to create an efficient study space to maximize your child’s study routine.

If you want to raise successfully organized students, you must give them the tools they need to succeed. A proper study space, that is both comfortable and fully stocked with school supplies, is essential to get kids motivated for after-school studying.

Start by deciding where your kids will do homework. Involve them – ask where they prefer to study, considering their age and independence level. Do they like the privacy and quiet of a desk in their bedroom? Or do they want to be near you in a centrally located area such as the kitchen or family room? It’s also important to consider your child’s learning style and ability to focus. Given the choice, my daughter would study in front of the TV, but I know that doesn’t work for her with all the added distractions. Whether she likes it or not, I know that for her to be successful, she needs to do her schoolwork in a quiet area with minimal distractions. Students need to understand that although parents will consider their preferences, the parent may make the final decision on the most effective study space.

Once you decide on the best study space for your child’s learning style, maturity level and routine, make sure it’s well stocked with supplies. If your child has a desk, you may choose to organize supplies inside the drawers or in containers on top of it.  Make sure to categorize, containerize and label items (such as writing utensils in one area, paper in another) so the desktop and drawers don’t become chaotic catch-alls.

 For those that study outside their bedrooms, create a portable office. This will allow them to work anywhere inside (or even outside) your home. A tackle box or any type of small storage box (even a shoebox) will do. For storing school papers, like graded tests, handouts, etc. I like small desktop file boxes like the Show Off by Sterilite. Notice the lid with handle that allows for easy mobility.

Fill the portable supply box with supplies such as pens, pencils, sharpeners, crayons markers, highlighters, colored pencils, glue sticks, scissors, tape stapler, paper clips, ruler, calculator, sticky notes, paper, and any other supplies that your child frequently uses. Keep an age-appropriate dictionary and Thesaurus handy. Also consider keeping small stock of rarely needed but important project accessories, such as report covers and poster board.

At the end of each study session, remind your students to put away any home supplies they used and pack up their school materials so they’re ready for the next day’s use. Teach them to make a list of items that need replenishing. Maintain consistency but allow for flexibility for happy and confident kids!

Suggested tools:

Task clips:

Informative File Folders:

To Do Notepad:

Originally posted 2009-09-04 16:29:10. Republished by Old Post Promoter

The Organized Student – school success starts with routines and habits

News Flash … we are not born organized. Organization is a learned skill. Just as children are taught to do long division, hit a baseball, or play a musical instrument, they learn organizational skills, like how to organize their space, time, and tasks. As the adult in their lives, it’s your important job to pass along helpful tips for organizing success. Here are a few ideas: 

• Help create a habit of doing homework in the same place, at the same time, every day.  
• Teach time management skills. Encourage younger students to look at the family calendar each day so they know what’s coming up. Middle and high schoolers can  use a planner to track assignments, large projects, upcoming tests, extracurricular activities, and appointments. Help them see that some things will take a long time to accomplish, while others will only take a few minutes.
• Help them prioritize tasks each day, focusing first on assignments with the most urgency or earliest due dates. Teach them to use high-energy times to their advantage: It’s often best to do the hardest task first, rather than saving it for the evening when they’re tired. Or have them start out on a good note by tackling one quick, simple task first to get momentum going, followed by the hardest assignment. Older students will benefit from creating to-do lists: Teach them to use two task groups: an urgent, “To Do today” list and less timely ” do it this week” list.

 

Now let’s consider how to establish school year routines and habits.

Morning wake-up time:
It is FAR better to have a little extra time in the morning to get ready rather than a blurred rush out the door.  For most children, about an hour is needed to get up, get ready, eat, etc.  If your child must be at the bus stop for 7:30am, wake them up no later than 6:30am.  If your child tends to be a bit of a slug in the morning, you will need to wake him/her up earlier and/or put them to bed earlier at night.

Morning routine:
There are certain tasks that only take a couple of minutes that can (and should) be taken care of first thing in the morning.  For example, have your child learn to make his/her bed before leaving his room in the morning. In addition, have them put their dirty clothes in the hamper and wipe the sink out when they are done brushing their teeth. For younger children you may want to set-up a timer and give them a certain amount of time to wake up, get dressed, do their morning tasks, and come for breakfast.  You can make this a game with a prize if they make it to the breakfast table all week long before the timer goes off.  A good prize would be a board game with Mom and/or Dad.  Rewards should not always be monetary…get clever and be creative!!

After School:
Homework truly should take precedence over anything else.  Sit down with your child and come up with a workable time block for homework.  This time block does not have to take place at the same time each evening, just try not to have this be the last thing that they do before going to bed.  In addition, it is not always a good idea to simply say they have to do their homework before they can go outside/watch television/etc, because that is just asking for them to rush through their homework.  A good idea is to set aside a certain amount of time and tell your child that this is schoolwork time.  Homework time should not be a race to get done.  If they get done ahead of time they can read a little extra, or you may want to come up with another educational time-filler (word finds, crossword puzzles, etc).  It is really a wonderful idea if you can sit down at the table with your child while they do their homework.  Use this time block to do any paperwork that you need to get done as well. As odd as this may sound, my kids look forward to our homework time when we sit quietly together at the table and work on our own stuff.

Before bedtime:
Before bedtime is a great time to get prepared for the morning rush. Have your child lay out clothes the night before.  Personally, I like to have all the clothes for the week picked out on the weekend, but I know that is not for everyone.  Mornings are not the time to find out that Suzy can’t find the shirt that goes with the pants that she just NEEDS to wear today!  Have your child not only lay out the clothes, but also their underwear, socks, accessories and shoes. If you have a younger child who wants to be able to pick out his/her own clothes I have a fun idea for you.  Assemble an outfit including clothes, socks, shoes, etc. and take a picture.  Do this with several other outfits.  Using the pictures, allow your child to choose her ensemble and then she can get her clothes together fairly easily using the picture as a guide.  Keep adding to the photo collection and soon you will have a full wardrobe of pictures.

In addition, prior to bedtime set the timer for 15 minutes and have a big “15-minute clean-up.”  Have everyone run through the house with grocery-sized bags and collect items that don’t belong in certain rooms and put them away.  Finally before sending your child to bed, make sure backpacks are filled and ready by the door.  Once again, you can come up with a fun reward if these tasks are completed throughout the week!

Here are some great tools to help both you and your  older students get organized for school:

Sticky Sets - sticky notes that help prioritize whatever they’re stuck to

PaperConnect Home Command Center – for holding all those school lists and such

 

 

 

 

Find more unique organizing products at The Simplified Home.

Originally posted 2009-08-24 23:34:09. Republished by Old Post Promoter

The Organized Student – back to school tips for an organized school year

A new school year is once again upon us. Ugh! Is it just me, or do you dread the back to school rush too? Our summers are getting shorter and shorter every year! My kids had the shortest summer yet – just 2 months. 

As parents, we have great hopes for a smooth transition from relaxing summer days to the hustle and bustle of homework, tests, project deadlines and school activities.

It’s easy to think that just by purchasing that new trendy school supply, your child will instantly transform into an ultra organized student. Although having the right tools are important to establishing an organized environment, even more important are the habits and routines we encourage in our children.

Throughout this month, I’ll be discussing ways to help you simplify your life during the school year.  I will be bringing you tips on how to reward your child for sticking with the schedule and also what to do if the schedule does not seem to work.  I’ll be discussing strategies for maintaining an organized desk or locker at school and setting up an efficient study space at home. Finally, I will be talking about school paper clutter.  What do you do with all those papers that come home?  How do you know what to keep and what to toss?

First up, let’s consider the importance of planning and identifying past challenges for which you’d like to find a solution. 

Plan, Plan, Plan First by Identifying the challenges

As you ponder how to best help your kids be more organized (and therefore, more successful) in school (and in life), consider what has troubled them (and you) the most in the past. Once you identify their challenges, concentrate on simple solutions, and watch them reach new academic heights. Here are some common student organizational challenges and solution paths.

CHALLENGE:  Struggling to complete homework. There is no defined study area and/or time. School supplies are hard to find and family noise and activities are distracting.

SOLUTION: Determine when and where your child will do after-school homework. Set up a homework “command central” that includes all the supplies and tools needed.

CHALLENGE: Time management issues, such as turning in assignments late, being frequently late for school or activities.

SOLUTION: Teach your child how critical it is to use a student planner and  calendar to track activities, upcoming tests, and assignment due dates.

CHALLENGE: Difficulty maintaining a clean desk or locker, resulting in disorganization at school, like lost homework and books.

SOLUTION: Pop in before or after school periodically to help your child organize his desk or locker. Give older children proper tools and advice to organize their desks and lockers.  Teachers are beginning to understand the connection of organization and grades, and often plan desk and locker clean out days throughout the year.

If you notice your child struggling because of disorganization, don’t wait until it’s too late to give or get help. Disorganization has a snowball affect – it negatively affects grades and your child’s sense of control, which can then negatively affect their self-esteem and confidence. Discuss these issues with the teacher, create a strategy for open communication and success with your child, and consider bringing in a professional organizer for added guidance, support, and creative ideas.

Here are some suggested tools to help both parents and kids to get an organized start to the new school year:

Mom, Can I Help Around the House - the beauty of this system is the routines and habits it establishes in your household.

By the Book – How to Take Care of My Kids –  Use this organizer if your kids have after school care, a tutor or caregiver. It’s great for organizing babysitter information as well. 

 

Task Clips – These action specific clips will help your student organize his work by action – To Do, Read, File, Send (could designate papers to send to school)

Next up … Tips for organizing your daily school schedule

Originally posted 2009-08-22 15:34:42. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Form a family team with age-appropriate chores

What age do you think that kids should start contributing to household chores?
Kids of all ages can and should be taught by their parents the value of organizing and cleaning up after themselves. If parents teach them in an age-appropriate, structured way, it’s a value that will stick with them throughout their lives and help them to be successful.

Parents can teach their kids by establishing regular routines for other things, like bedtimes, meals and chores. Kids will soon learn what is expected of them and it won’t seem like work to them. If you have multiple kids, you can even assign tasks according to their ages. In my home, we use the “Mom Can I Help Around the House” chore system. The idea is really simple. Each of my kids has a personalized chore binder assigned to them. Each chore is clearly written so they understand what they need to do. They are expected to complete their chores between Friday after school through Sunday at noon. Each of my kids learns to manage their time, set goals, experiences the satisfaction of accomplishing a task and is praised for their efforts. All without my having to “nag” them!

Here are some chores your children can do for their specific age group:

Kids under 6 should be able to these chores:

• Pick up their toys.
• Hang up coats and put shoes away.
• Set the dinner table.

Kids over 6 can (and should) help with:

• Help with laundry
• Clear used dinner items after meals and help with washing dishes.
• Help with caring for pets.

As your children grow, add responsibilities to your children(s)’ chore folder that include more steps and instructions. Be sure to praise them along the way and give them every opportunity to succeed. Keep in mind that you’re not doing them any favors if you follow behind your children and correct their work. In the real world, this won’t be done for them. Give them real world exposure by providing feedback and have them correct less than acceptable work. This teaches them, above all else, a sense of responsibility and accomplishment for a job well done. You will be able to maintain a cleaner home and your children will have learned valuable skills that will last a lifetime.

Originally posted 2008-09-29 06:28:25. Republished by Old Post Promoter